Aquatic Therapy
At Vernon Memorial Healthcare, our therapy program offers Aquatic Physical Therapy and Aquatic Occupational Therapy for all ages and abilities.
Aquatic Therapy utilizes functional activities and exercises with less weight bearing and a warm water environment, which allows for ease of movement throughout the body.
You will initially be seen by one of our Physical or Occupational Therapists who will create a unique therapy plan of care. The Therapy Pool will be used as part of your skilled therapy session.
Our 20×30-foot warm-water pool:
- Temperature is a comfortable 93ºF
- Handicap-accessible
- 4 depth levels from 3’6” to 5’3”
- Stairs with two railings, a ladder, and a lift chair are available for entering and exiting the water.
What You Need to Know:
The Therapy Pool is in the lower level of Vernon Memorial Hospital. Wheelchair transport service is available if needed to and from locker rooms. The Therapy Pool will be used as part of your skilled therapy session. Therapy Pool use will end upon discharge from your therapy program.
To schedule, please call 608-637-4385 for appointments.
Aquatic Physical Therapy
- Work with trained, experienced physical therapist assistant
- Facilitate core stabilization and postural alignment
- Improve mobility, movement awareness and balance
- Decreased weight bearing exercises on lower extremities
- Allows for less painful activities
- Aquatic Bodywork and Ai Chi can be incorporated into a therapy session
Aquatic Occupational Therapy
- Work with trained, experienced certified occupational therapy assistant
- Treatment, rehabilitation, and education on self-management techniques
- Specialized in patients with chronic swelling, lymphedema and chronic pain.
- Aquatic Bodywork and Ai Chi can be incorporated into a therapy session
Aquatic Bodywork Definition
- Aquatic Bodywork in its simplest definition could be called floating facilitation. In warm water, a nurturing experience with dynamic movement occurs which promotes a decrease in pain and reduction in stress, creating an overall sense of relaxation, health, and wellness.
- Each session is unique to a patient’s needs and every individual’s experience is different. Using the deeply relaxing effects of warm water and continuous nurturing support, the receiver is floated, cradled, rocked, and stretched throughout the session.
- Aquatic Bodywork is most valuable for those who have difficulty working on functional activities secondary to pain, muscle spasm or spasticity. It can also be used for treating stress, neck and back pain, orthopedic problems, arthritis, sleep disorders, fibromyalgia, and a host of other conditions.
Ai Chi Definition
- Ai Chi is specific water-based movements that combine Tai Chi/Qi Gong with deep breathing.
- It involves 16 slow, continuous movement patterns performed in shoulder-depth water, focusing on body alignment, balance, and breath.
- Ai Chi begins with static symmetrical movements, then progresses to more dynamic, rotational, asymmetrical movements; while coordinating the movements with deep, diaphragmic breathing.